February 19, 2008
The Broadway
Spire
Volume 66 - Number 21 Phone 322-7741 February 19, 2008
The Broadway Spire (USPS 875-600) published weekly except every other week during June, July and August, by Broadway United Methodist Church, 11 S. 1st Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-4315. Phone 712-322-7741. Prayer Chain: 712-322-7705. Fax 712-322-2162. Periodical rate paid at Council Bluffs, IA, 51503. Postmaster: Address changes to: The Broadway Spire, 11 S. 1st Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51503-4315 Web Site: www.broadwayunitedmethodist.com
Our mission: Ever seeking, serving and growing as the family of God with unconditional love and acceptance!
FROM DANA SCOPATZ . . .
In their distress they cried to Yahweh, who delivered them from their woes; who sent out a word to heal them, and delivered them from destruction.—Psalm 107:19-20.
Sunil (not his real name) is a member of a fishing society in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. When the 2004 tsunami struck, Sunil and others watched their livelihoods wash out with the tides. Their nets, boats, homes—even the beach itself—disappeared in the churning water.
On this unseasonably cool, rainy day Sunil is working with members of his fishing society in a project sponsored by the United Methodist Committee on Relief and the Methodist Church of Sri Lanka. They are UMCOR and MCSL paid the now-unemployed fisherfolk for their work to help them earn an income. Sunil is happy to help. “Today I have something to eat,” he says. “Today I have money. ” UMCOR and MCSL encourage people like Sunil to get back on their feet by providing nets, boats, oars, and advocacy so they can regain their livelihoods and live with dignity.
Whenever and wherever there is a disaster, UMCOR is one of the first agencies on the scene. After others have left, UMCOR is still there, helping with re-building efforts. That kind of early response and long term commitment takes a lot of resources, and a primary source for those resources is the annual One Great Hour of Sharing offering taken by local United Methodist churches. This offering pays the overhead for UMCOR, so they can be ready to go as soon as disaster strikes. Every cent donated to a specific disaster relief effort goes directly to that effort, with no percentage taken out for overhead. Monies raised by this offering also serve as “fill in” funding when a project doesn’t attract enough designated donations to get the work done.
UMCOR is there, helping people in the name of Jesus Christ, even when the effort is not one that gets national media attention and attracts celebrity fund drives. Your donation to One Great Hour of Sharing can help ensure that the United Methodist Church will always be there – helping soldiers re-integrate into their communities, feeding hungry people, establishing medical clinics in remote areas, rebuilding lives after natural disasters, and reaching out in so many ways to show people God’s love and concern, expressed through the church.
Keep this special offering in prayer this week as you consider how you can best be a part of this ministry around the world.
THIS WEEK AT BROADWAY . . .
Diners Groups meet February 22 . . .
• Daytime Diners at Valentino's at 11:45 a.m. Call Margarite Hickman, 323-1040, for reservations.
• Single Diners at Village Inn at 5:30 p.m. Call Sue Griswold, 323-8958, for reservations.
Israel/Palestine UMW Lenten Bible Study is Tuesdays, through March 18, at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Dana Scopatz is the leader. Books are $8.50. Contact Margaret Freeman, 328-3298.
The Bible From Scratch is Sunday Mornings 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Learn to find references, use footnotes and concordances and other study tools as we work through an overview of the New Testament. No question too big or small. Everybody is welcome to participate.
Final week to order Puffins, delightful puff pastries alternating thin layers of butter and pastry in individual serving sizes, 12 to a package: cream cheese, strawberry cream cheese, blueberry cream cheese, caramel, cinnamon and apple. Each $10 package comes frozen, doesn’t require thaw time before baking 25-30 minutes and will be delivered before Easter. Profits to youth work trip.
Red Cross Blood Drive is Saturday, February 23, 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
Call Mary Ann Petersen, 328-0141, or the church office, 322-7741, to schedule a time be a donor or volunteer help. Walk-ins are welcome. The need for blood continues in our community.
WE WILL BE LOYAL TO BROADWAY . . .
With our Presence: February 17, 2008
Worship: 8:00 a.m. - 70; 9:30 a.m. - 112; 11:00 a.m. - 113; 6:30 p.m. - 83 = 378
Sunday School: 8:00 a.m -4; 9:30 a.m.-102; 11:00 a.m.-17; Total-123
With our Gifts 2008: Received
Current Expenses, Need Weekly $11,209.13
Received February 10 $13,486.42
Total received to date $58,203.33
Growing through Grace 2008 $5,435.00
Guatemala Children’s Orphanage $299.52
With Our Prayers: Hospitalized at Jennie: Kris Lippke, Janet McKern. Others: Marge Bean, Lesley Blom, Anne Brunko, Roger Coffey, Debra Elrod, Connie Folkers, Carey Garafalo-Moore, Virgil Graves, Max Hall, Shirley Heinrich, Sharon Jasnowski, Denise LeBaugh, Carol Linarez, Irma Miller, Steve Roberson, Elizabeth Rollings, Conrad Schlemmer, Rosie Schlemmer, Megann Schultz, Jean Talbert, Suzy VanBibber, Al Voss, Kathy Whitson, homebound & nursing home members, missionaries, military personnel, victims of war and natural disasters, District Staff Brian Milford & Ed Kail, Bishop Palmer, pastors and staff. Call 322-7705 to hear additional prayer requests.
With our Sympathy:
• Deann Hensdale and family in the death of her brother, Richard Goldsmith.
• Vern & Shari Jones family in the death of his father, LaVern.
• Carolyn & David MacFarlane and family in the death of her father, Art Strietbeck.
LECTIONARY BIBLE READINGS . . .
February 24 Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42
In the event of inclement weather church activities are canceled if school is released early or closed. Call the office if in doubt.
Cool Congregations has more carbon saving tips . . . This week: Buy napkins made from recycled paper products. If every US household replaced just one box of virgin paper napkins with 100% recycled ones, we could save 1 million trees.
FROM RUBEN MENDOZA . . .
“…Welcome him as you would me.” - Philemon 17
I recently received an email from the Annual Conference of Mexico that began with this verse. February 17, the “Day of the emigrant” is celebrated in Mexico. In this celebration, all the Methodist Churches in Mexico participate. All of the Sunday sermons are usually about the theme “The Emigrant.” Pastors don’t have difficulty preaching about this theme because the Bible is full of themes relating to emigrants. In this same service, a special offering is given to share among different organizations that dedicate themselves to serving emigrants. The church is among these organizations.
For people coming from Central America, they first cross Mexico. Churches are constantly receiving these people. These travelers have the confidence that if they arrive at a church, they will be treated with respect and mercy. When the Methodist Church observed this, it decided to create organizations to help emigrants and also dedicate a day to celebrate and recognize their efforts. Many are simply looking for a better future for their families.
Many times, I received emigrants in the churches where I was a pastor. One who broke my heart. Two men knocked on my door, one appearing rather young, the other about 38 years old. When the older man left his country, Honduras, he was traveling with a group. He knew nothing of the fate of the group, and the young man with him was someone he had encountered on the way. When this older man knocked on my door, he could barely walk. I took his shoes off, and I will never forget the sight – feet absolutely destroyed from walking, full of blisters that took over a week to heal. I helped him on the way to recovery, remembering that Jesus, too, washed the feet of his disciples. After the men left, I never knew what happened to them. How many times have we done something which reminds us of Jesus’ life?
FROM MARVIN ARNPRIESTER . . .
I have been reflecting on Psalm 62:3: “How much longer will all of you attack a man who is no stronger than a broken down fence?” What an image of how we sometimes feel. A broken down fence has no value, other than proclaiming what once was, no longer is and needs help to properly function again. This image expresses how many of us feel in the face of the tragic events in Omaha, DeKalb, the Sudan and Iraq. We sometimes feel helpless and wonder what we can do about such events. We know what it is to feel no stronger than a broken down fence.
Before we get too far down, remember God uses broken down things to show God’s power and love. Vance Horner writes, “God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread and broken bread to give strength.”
As I reflect further, I remember the horse must be broken to ride, the cow must be broken to milk and the pet broken to obey. The motor in a car must be broken in for efficiency. A pair of jeans must be broken in. (Continued on page 3)
BROADWAY BOUQUETS TO. . .
• Jennifer and Nathan Connelly for presenting a “magic show” to Wednesday evening children last week.
• Alonzo & Staci Beitler-Razo in the February 14 birth of Chase Donavon.
• John Metz for installing the new kitchen dishwasher.
BIRTHDAYS . . .
February 21 - Daniel Barnett, Alyssa Jones, Jennifer Kvammen, Brooke Stander, Rhonda Ulmer
February 22 - Amy Block, Zachary Dickerson, Ted Harris, Lori Scott
February 23 - Dick Dallinger, Dianne Glass, Barry Jacobsen, Seth Wichman
February 24 - Maxine Frieze, James Wheeler
February 25 - Kristen Block, Halie Landolt, Rollin Roth, Aaron Smits
February 26 - Jordan Bockert, Pat Fuller, Cindy Richter
February 27 - Staci Beitler-Razo, Evie LeMaster, Marci Ludington, Max Ogren, Natalie Smith
February 28 - Emily Carter, Joan Harrison
ANNIVERSARIES . . .
February 21 - Dan & Roxanne Kometscher - 6, Michael & Sherrie Rollings - 21
February 23 - Al & Mary Voss - 61
February 25 - Christopher & Stacey Holeton - 13
February 28 - Tom & Sandy Howard - 32
BAPTIZED and Received as a Preparatory member Sunday, February 17, was Ryan Thomas, son of Heather & Dustin Heffernan.
(Continued from page 2)
Brokenness can be an asset or a liability, depending on how you view it. Brokenness can create pain, anger, hostility, resentment and bitterness. It can also create sensitivity, understanding, acceptance, forgiveness and love. It all depends on how we respond to brokenness.
From the brokenness in the death of Jesus Christ on a cross, God brought resurrection, salvation, hope for those who will accept the gift. I dare to believe and proclaim to you, that out of our brokenness, God still wants to bring good if we will allow it instead of wallowing in it. (See Romans 8:28)
By God’s grace, may the brokenness of your life become a testimony of all that is good being stronger than brokenness which we allow to defeat us. It’s a matter of the choice we make.
ANNOUNCING . . .
“Sweet 16" Prom! The annual adult Prom sponsored by the youth will be Saturday, March 1, 7:00-10:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. Food, fellowship, dancing and fun are all on the agenda. DJ Derek Troester will again be hosting the event. Cost is $15/single, $25/couple, $5 youth. Thrift shops currently have a great supply of Prom dresses! Tickets are available in the office or at the door. Load up a carload of friends and be prepared to join us!
Pages Are Needed for Annual Conference, June 5-8, 2008, in Ames. Pages are on duty from 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and stay in a dorm at Iowa State. Pages must have completed 9th Grade. Applications are due April 15. Call Judy if you are interested in applying!
An Iowa United Methodist Men Event will be held,
Saturday, March 15, 2008, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
General Secretary of United Methodist Men Reverend David Adams will keynote the event. Presentations on Youth Ministries, Self Help International, Hunger Relief, Upper Room Prayer Ministry, Legacy Program, EMS Program, Heifer International and P.E.T. Altoona UMC
602 5th Avenue SW - Altoona, IA 50009. Phone 515-967-2991. Registration by March 10, 2008 is $20.
Registration at the door, $25.
Prayer Partner Assignments will be coming shortly. Sign up in the Centrex to become a prayer partner. As a prayer partner you will have an opportunity to meet a child at the church on Sunday mornings, with no additional meetings. Occasional phone calls and/or cards are encouraged as a part of this relationship. Quarterly Sunday “donut mornings” will be held between services to evaluate your prayer relationship. Both adult and child agree to pray for each other daily. Suggested prayers will be given to the child.
Midwest Child Care Association is offering courses to train persons interested in opening a quality child care business. Ten different training modules will be offered. Upon completion of each module, providers will receive $100 incentive payment. Each applicant will undergo an extensive interview process, register their home with the Iowa Department of Human Services, pass a First Aid/CPR class and receive a Pre-Approval visit evaluating the business location, structure, health and safety issues before training. More information is available at 659-3411 or 551-2379 or online www.denise@midwestchildcare.org.
Persons interested in learning more about the United Methodist Church and its beliefs are invited to join Rev. Arnpriester in an Inquirers Class, Wednesdays evenings at 6:30 p.m. March 5, 12 and 19 in the Senior Pastor’s Office.
GUEST ARTICLE FROM RICK PERKINS . . .
I work for a pipeline company and recently traveled 1,400 miles from one end of our gas transmission system to another taking an equipment survey at all our facilities. Our pipeline system starts at the Canadian/Montana border, traveling through some very isolated areas as it winds its way to Chicago and beyond. Because the pipeline system is so remote, my traveling companion and I sometimes needed help from local technicians to lead us to the right location. As we got out of our car at one location I spotted a dog running full bore at the three of us with it ears back and on a direct charge toward us. As the technician was unlocking the gate to our facility I tapped him on the shoulder and said “I hope that dog is friendly?” He looked up, spotted the dog and cracked a very slight smile saying, “Oh, she’s friendly.” Moments later the dog reached us and immediately jumped up on the technician with her front paws and buried her head against his leg as he reached down, petted her and rubbed her ears. She then did the same with me and my traveling companion. During the few minutes we were gathering our survey information, this dog continued to express her excitement for her new friends. When we left the site I felt somewhat sorry for leaving such a wonderful loving animal.
As we drove home that evening I started thinking about how wonderful our world would be if we all could be like that little dog, always offering unconditional love to strangers we meet. It is unfortunate our world is not like that and most of us might first judge someone by what they wear or how they look before we meet or speak to them for the first time. It is not hard to imagine what a wonderful world we could have if we put down our defenses and prejudices and offered peace and love to all. A dream? Maybe, but there is one thing Jesus taught us we are to love one another just as we love ourselves. I pray that someday we can all be like that.
As I drove home that evening there was a beautiful sunset. I continued to think about that little dog. It struck me how God just happens to send his message to us in some of the most unusual places. We just have to open our minds and eyes to see them. God Bless!
GROW IN YOUR FAITH . . .
A wide line range of online resources for United Methodist laity to nurture and enrich their leadership skills is at www.institutefordiscipleship.org or www.BeADisciple.com. Check out and sign up for one of the following courses: Disciple Making 101, Applying the Rules of Christ; Introduction to Lyric Writing and Maximizing Disciple in your Church.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS . . .
Wednesday, February 20 Time for Prayer - 6:30 am
Twilighters - 2:30 pm
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Meal for Donation - 6:00 pm
Chime Choir - 5:55 pm
Bell Choir - 6:15 pm
Wednesday Children, Children's Activities - 6:30 pm
Allstars, Christian Cadets, Jr. & Sr. UMYF - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II, Bible from Scratch - 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:15 pm
Care Team - 7:45 pm
Thursday, February 21 Men's Ensemble - 5:45 pm
Scout Leaders Meeting - 7:00 pm
Global Outreach Committee - 7:30 pm
Friday, February 22 Daytime Diners - 11:45 am
Single Diners - 5:30 pm
Dance Class - 7:00 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 23 Bloodmobile - 7:30 am
VBS Preview - 9:00 am
Scouts Blue & Gold Banquet - 3:00 pm
Sunday, February 24 Choir Rehearsal - 7:19 am
Worship - 8:00 - 9:30 - 11:00 am
Children’s Sunday School - 8:00 am
Jr. and Sr. High Sunday School - 9:00 am
Sunday School - children & adults - 9:30 am
The Bible From Scratch - 11:00 am
Sunday School for elementary & younger - 11:00 am
Worship Service in Spanish - 6:00 pm
NA Group - 7:00 pm
Monday, February 25 ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Cub Scouts Den Meeting - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, February 26 Election Day - 7:00 am
VNA Event - 11:00 am
Israel/Palestine Study - 1:30 pm
Girl Scouts - 6:30 pm
Bible Study in Spanish - 7:00 pm
Wednesday, February 27 Time for Prayer - 6:30 am
Staff Meeting - 9:00 am
Prayer Shawl - 1:30 pm
Confirmation - 5:00 pm
PACT - 5:00 pm
ESL Childcare - 5:45 pm
Meal for Donation - 6:00 pm
Chime Choir - 5:55 pm
Bell Choir - 6:15 pm
Wednesday Children, Children's Activities - 6:30 pm
Allstars, Christian Cadets, Jr. & Sr. UMYF - 6:30 pm
Disciple I & II, Bible from Scratch - 6:30 pm
Choir Rehearsal - 7:15 pm
The Phoenix House needs volunteers to help answer their 24 hour hotline from time to time. Training will be offered February 22, 23 and March 1. All volunteers must complete 29 hours of training. Call 256-2059 x 2 or mschultz@dmdiocese.org.